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In the aftermath in the Venezuelan capital, citizens are processing the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by US forces with a wide spectrum 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 varied between jubilation to condemnation.

Mixed Reactions

Dina, a Caracas resident, stated that for now, she is thankful 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," Dina said about the American president. "I'm not used to taking his words seriously."

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

Jorge, another Venezuelan who lives near Caracas, told that while he's appreciative to be "backed by the United States", he is apprehensive that the immediate future will not be easy.

"Following his arrest, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "Nothing is assured. So there is a great deal of doubt. We cannot predict what the coming days will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

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

Overnight, American military units executed a series of precision operations in Caracas, ultimately apprehending the president.

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

Maduro – who leads the ruling party and has been in office since 2013 – has frequently been accused of crushing dissent and silencing dissent in Venezuela, sometimes with the use of violence.

A Path Full of Questions

As Maduro and his wife are extradited to answer to serious criminal indictments, the future of Venezuela remains uncertain.

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

Jorge reported seeing riders from colectivos, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, roaming the streets with arms recently.

"It makes you a bit afraid to even leave the house for essentials right now," he said. "We must hope for the best and remain patient."

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 came to power.

"This is only the beginning; we know there is still a challenging path forward," Sandra added. "No country had previously heard the plea of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

Among the populace, the only positive aspect of recent statements is the commitment of international investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "better economic situation" for the country in crisis.