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As the dust settles in Caracas, the people are responding to the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by US forces with a wide spectrum of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets on Saturday after a night marked by explosions in the valley surrounding the capital, 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 "removing Maduro from power" because now, she "finally glimpses 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'm not used to taking his words seriously."

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

Jorge, another citizen who lives outside the capital, explained that while he's grateful to be "backed by American forces", he fears the immediate future will not be easy.

"Following his arrest, what's going to happen?" he wondered. "It offers no guarantees. So there is a great deal of doubt. We cannot predict what the next chapter will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

Maduro allies have also been rallying in the streets of Caracas, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

Early Saturday, American military units executed a series of precision operations in Caracas, ultimately taking the country's leader into custody.

The American government charges Maduro of running a "narco-terrorist" regime. He is widely seen by opponents domestically and by foreign governments as having illegitimately won Venezuela's recent election.

Maduro – who leads the ruling party and has been in power since 2013 – has often faced allegations of crushing dissent 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 future of Venezuela remains in flux.

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

Jorge reported seeing motorcyclists from colectivos, which are armed collectives in Venezuela, roaming the streets with arms recently.

"It creates a sense of fear 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 city of Punto Fijo, shared the relief at Maduro's ousting. But, she too is doubtful about the future and what it means for the millions in exile.

Close to eight million Venezuelans have fled Venezuela since Maduro assumed the presidency.

"We are just at the start; we know there is still a difficult journey to come," Sandra stated. "No country had previously heard the plea of Venezuelans in the face of this tragedy."

For many, the sole encouraging sign of recent statements is the commitment of international investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "more stable economy" for the struggling nation.