New Delhi, December 08 (ANI): Marking a major development in the years-long civil war in Syria, rebel groups took over the Syrian capital, Damascus in early Dec 08. In a blitzing offensive, Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus and sent the 50-year-long Assad family out of rule. It marked a turning point for Syria, shattered by years of war that has turned cities to rubble, killed hundreds of thousands. With the rebel group ousting Assad’s regime, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as the Nusra Front has taken center stage. However, HTS which spearheaded the rebel advances across western Syria, was formerly an al Qaeda affiliate. Hours after Assad fled from Syria, US’ Pentagon official informed that US would remain present in eastern Syria and take measures to prevent IS resurgence. The Sunni rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is a globally designated terrorist group.