The Syrian Interior Ministry announced the opening of all roads in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Al-Ashrafieh districts of Aleppo following a ceasefire, as reported by Rudaw on October 7th, 2025. The ministry confirmed the road openings via a statement to Rudaw, signaling a de-escalation of conflict in these areas. This development occurs amidst broader negotiations concerning the future of Kurdish autonomy in Syria. Previous reports from October 7th, 2025, indicated Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa engaged in discussions with AANES leadership, including Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmad, regarding territorial reorganization and local autonomy for Kurdish-majority regions. These talks, supported by the US and French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, CENTCOM, and the US Embassy in Turkey, suggested a potential agreement where AANES might cede Arab-majority regions like Raqqa and Deir Ezzor in exchange for self-governance in Kurdish areas. Meanwhile, in Qamishli, Kurds gathered and lit fires, a symbol of Newroz, in response to President al-Sharaa's decision to exclude the Kurdish New Year from national holidays. This action, documented by ENKS and reported by Rudaw English on October 7th, 2025, highlights ongoing cultural and political tensions within the country. Previous reports on October 7th, 2025, detailed SDF media silence regarding potential deals for Deir ez-Zor, fueling rumors of an imminent agreement or escalated demands. The discussions in Damascus involved key Syrian government officials, including Foreign Minister AsaadhshaBani and Defense Minister Murhaf Abuqasra, alongside US Ambassador to Turkey Jeffry Flake and CENTCOM Commander Vadm Cooper. The AANES had reportedly proposed an autonomous administrative entity limited to Kurds, accepting the return of regions like Raqqa and northern Deir Ezzor to Damascus in exchange for local autonomy in Kurdish areas such as Kobane and parts of Al-Hassakah governorate. Discussions also reportedly covered the partial integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army, with the FDS retaining local command and operating as autonomous local security forces. The potential for revenue sharing from oil fields in the Al-Raqqah region was also a subject of negotiation, with the new Syrian government reportedly accepting the principle of retaining a portion of the income. The Kurdish National Council had previously criticized the Syrian presidency's decision to ban Newroz celebrations.
