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Following the dramatic events in Caracas, residents are processing the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by US forces with a complex mix of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

People began to emerge in the streets on Saturday after a night marked by detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with moods that varied between celebration to outrage.

Citizen Perspectives

Dina, a Caracas 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".

"He says something now and tomorrow he changes his mind," she commented about the US leadership. "I find it hard to trust his promises."

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

Jorge, another citizen who lives outside the capital, told that while he's grateful to be "backed by the United States", he fears the coming days 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 cannot predict what the coming days will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

Government loyalists have also been gathering in protest of the capital, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

In the early hours, American military units executed a series of targeted attacks in Venezuela's capital, ultimately taking the country's leader into custody.

The American government charges Maduro of leading a "narco-state" regime. He is broadly viewed by opponents domestically and by foreign governments as having illegitimately won Venezuela's recent election.

Maduro – who leads the United Socialist Party and has been in power since 2013 – has often faced allegations of repressing opposition groups and stifling criticism in Venezuela, at times with the employment of force.

What Comes Next?

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

The danger of voicing opposition against Maduro is still a genuine threat within Venezuela.

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

"It is intimidating to even leave the house for essentials right now," he said. "Patience and hope are all we have."

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

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

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

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