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In the aftermath in Caracas, citizens are processing the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by American authorities with a wide spectrum of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets over the weekend after a night filled with detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with moods that varied between celebration to anger.

Voices from the Streets

Dina, a local resident, stated that for now, she is grateful for the US action for "removing Maduro from power" because now, she "finally glimpses some light at the end of the tunnel again".

"His word today may not be his word tomorrow," she commented about the US leadership. "His declarations carry little weight with me."

The political climate remains volatile, which is part of why she did not provide her full name.

Jorge, another citizen who lives near Caracas, explained that while he's grateful 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 great deal of doubt. We don't know what the next chapter will bring."

Tense Political Landscape

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

In the early hours, American military units executed a series of targeted attacks in Caracas, ultimately apprehending the president.

The American government charges Maduro of running a "narco-terrorist" regime. He is broadly viewed by critics within his country and by the international community as having illegitimately won the last presidential vote.

Maduro – who leads the ruling party and has been in office since 2013 – has often faced allegations of crushing dissent and silencing dissent in Venezuela, at times with the employment of force.

A Path Full of Questions

With Maduro facing extradition to answer to serious criminal indictments, the future of Venezuela remains in flux.

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

Jorge reported seeing riders from colectivos, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods with weapons 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.

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

"We are just at the start; we know there is still a long road ahead," Sandra stated. "No country had previously heard the cry of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

Among the populace, the only positive aspect of recent statements is the promise of foreign investment in Venezuela, which some hope will lead to a "more stable economy" for the country in crisis.