Two U.S. F-18s reportedly collide over Iraq

WASHINGTON - Navy officials said Monday that two F-18 fighter jets apparently were involved in an "air-to-air collision" over southern Iraq. There was no immediate word on the fate of the crew members.

The officials, who spoke with NBC News on condition of anonymity, said there was "no initial indication that hostile fire" contributed to the loss of the U.S. Marine F/A-18 Hornet aircraft.

The fighter jets, based on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, were reported missing at 10:10 p.m. local time.

A statement by the military in Iraq said search efforts were under way and that the status of the crew members was unknown.