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Following the dramatic events in the Venezuelan capital, citizens are processing the news of the arrest of President Maduro by US forces with a wide spectrum of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Residents started to appear in the streets on Saturday after a night marked by explosions in the valley surrounding the capital, with public sentiment that ranged from celebration to outrage.

Mixed Reactions

Dina, a local resident, expressed that for now, she is thankful for the US action for "taking Maduro out of here" because now, she "at least can see some light at the end of the tunnel again".

"His statements are inconsistent and ever-changing," Dina said about the American president. "I find it hard to trust his promises."

The political climate remains tense, which is part of why she chose to use a pseudonym.

Jorge, another citizen who lives outside the capital, told that while he's appreciative to be "well-supported by American forces", he fears the immediate future will not be easy.

"With this man's removal, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "Nothing is assured. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We don't know what the next chapter will bring."

Tense Political Landscape

Maduro allies have also been demonstrating publicly of Caracas, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

Early Saturday, US forces executed a series of targeted attacks in Caracas, ultimately taking the country's leader into custody.

The American government charges Maduro of running a "narco-state" regime. He is broadly viewed by opponents domestically and by the international community as having fraudulently secured Venezuela's recent election.

Maduro – who heads the ruling party and has been in office since 2013 – has frequently been accused of crushing dissent and silencing dissent in Venezuela, at times with the use of violence.

What Comes Next?

As Maduro and his wife are extradited to face drug trafficking and weapons charges, the country's destiny remains uncertain.

The danger of speaking out against Maduro is still very real within Venezuela.

Jorge reported seeing motorcyclists from pro-government groups, which are armed collectives in Venezuela, roaming the streets with arms recently.

"It is intimidating to even go out to buy bread right now," he said. "Patience and hope are all we have."

Sandra, who lives in the Venezuelan city of Punto Fijo, echoed the relief at Maduro's ousting. But, she too is skeptical about the future and what it means for the vast diaspora.

Nearly eight million Venezuelans have fled Venezuela since Maduro came to power.

"This is merely the first step; we know there is still a challenging path forward," Sandra added. "No country had previously heard the plea of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

Among the populace, the sole encouraging sign of recent statements is the promise of foreign investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "more stable economy" for the struggling nation.