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In the aftermath in Caracas, residents are responding to the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by US forces with a complex mix of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets on Saturday after a night marked by explosions in the Caracas Valley, with moods that ranged from celebration to anger.

Citizen Perspectives

Dina, a local resident, expressed that for now, she is grateful for the American intervention for "taking Maduro out of here" because now, she "at least can see some hope for the future again".

"His word today may not be his word tomorrow," Dina said about the US leadership. "I find it hard to trust his promises."

The atmosphere in the country remains highly charged, which is part of why she did not provide her full name.

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

"Now that they are taking this man away, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "Nothing is assured. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We cannot predict what the next chapter will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

Supporters of Maduro's government have also been gathering in protest of Caracas, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

Early Saturday, American military units carried out a series of targeted attacks in Venezuela's capital, ultimately apprehending the president.

The US accuses Maduro of running a "narco-terrorist" regime. He is broadly viewed by critics domestically and by the international community as having illegitimately won the last presidential vote.

Maduro – who leads the ruling party and has been in power since 2013 – has frequently been accused of repressing opposition groups and stifling criticism in Venezuela, sometimes with the employment of force.

A Path Full of Questions

As Maduro and his wife are extradited to face drug trafficking and weapons charges, the future of Venezuela remains in flux.

The risk of voicing opposition against Maduro is still very real within Venezuela.

Jorge said he saw motorcyclists from colectivos, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, roaming the streets with arms recently.

"It makes you a bit afraid to even go out to buy bread right now," he said. "We'll have to wait for the best and have patience."

Sandra, who lives in the Venezuelan city of Punto Fijo, echoed the relief at Maduro's removal. 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 assumed the presidency.

"This is merely the first step; we know there is still a long road ahead," Sandra added. "No country had previously heard the plea of Venezuelans in the face of this tragedy."

Among the populace, the only positive aspect of recent statements is the promise of foreign investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "better economic situation" for the struggling nation.