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As the dust settles in Caracas, residents are processing the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by American authorities with a complex mix of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets over the weekend after a night marked by explosions in the Caracas Valley, with public sentiment that ranged from jubilation to condemnation.

Citizen Perspectives

Dina, a Caracas resident, stated that for now, she is grateful for the US action for "taking Maduro out of here" because now, she "at least can see some hope for the future again".

"He says something now and tomorrow he changes his mind," she commented regarding 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 chose to use a pseudonym.

Jorge, another citizen who lives near Caracas, told that while he's grateful to be "backed by American forces", he fears the coming days will not be easy.

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

Ongoing Tensions

Maduro allies have also been gathering in protest of the capital, demanding the US release their leader.

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

The American government charges Maduro of running a "narco-terrorist" regime. He is broadly viewed by opponents within his country and by the international community as having illegitimately won Venezuela's recent election.

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

What Comes Next?

With Maduro facing extradition to answer to serious criminal indictments, the country's destiny remains unclear.

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

Jorge said he saw riders from colectivos, which are armed collectives in Venezuela, roaming the streets with weapons recently.

"It creates a sense of fear to even go out to buy bread right now," he said. "Patience and hope are all we have."

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

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 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 promise of foreign investment in Venezuela, which some hope will lead to a "improved financial outlook" for the struggling nation.