At noon, the tankers are filled, and the train is prepared for departure, with the shipment transferred to the crew of locomotive number 708 after weighing the wagons individually. The crew, consisting of driver Abu Mahmoud, train chief Hussein, and assistant Mohammed, share a cramped space in the loco cab, surrounded by equipment from the 1970s Soviet Union era. A small circular stove provides warmth and brews tea and traditional mate, while music by Lebanese singer Fairuz fills the air. With backgrounds from the coastal Alawite region, the men express their apprehensions regarding the new government led by Sunni leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, particularly in the wake of March 2025 killings targeting their community. Despite their concerns, they remain committed to their mission and emphasize the importance of engaging with the changing political landscape, viewing their work on the train as a means of bridging social divides.
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