India launched strikes on Pakistan, raising fears of war.

That's where we're starting The Seven from the Washington Post.

I'm Hannah Jewell. It's Wednesday, May 7th.

Let's get you caught up with today's seven stories.

India's military said early this morning that it had launched strikes on its neighbor, Pakistan.

India said it was in retaliation for a militant attack last month in Indian-administered Kashmir.

That Muslim-majority territory is claimed by both countries. Parts of it are controlled by India and parts by Pakistan.

It has been the subject of decades of tension. Officials in Pakistan said eight people were killed,

including a child and two teenagers, and 35 people were injured. It's the first direct conflict

between the countries in six years,

and it's the most significant clash since they fought a war in 1971.

Pakistan has vowed to retaliate.

Its defense minister, Kowajah Mohammad Asif, spoke to Bloomberg news this morning.

This has been initiated by India.

If India is ready to back down, they have taken the initiative.

We have just responded.

We have been saying all along last fortnight that we'll never initiate anything hostile towards India.

But if we are attacked, we'll respond.

The strikes have raised fears of war between the two nuclear-armed nations.

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Beneath the domes and ancient walls of Vatican City, a quiet drama will unfold beginning today.

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