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In the aftermath in the Venezuelan capital, the people are processing the news of the arrest of President Maduro by US forces with a wide spectrum of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets over the weekend after a night rocked by detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with moods that ranged from celebration to outrage.

Citizen Perspectives

Dina, a Caracas resident, stated that for now, she is grateful for the American intervention for "removing Maduro from power" because now, she "at least can see some hope for the future again".

"His word today may not be his word tomorrow," she commented regarding the American president. "His declarations carry little weight with me."

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

Jorge, another Venezuelan who lives outside the capital, told that while he's appreciative to be "backed by the United States", he is apprehensive that the coming days will not be easy.

"With this man's removal, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "It doesn't guarantee us anything. So there is a great deal of doubt. We cannot predict what the coming days will bring."

Tense Political Landscape

Supporters of Maduro's government have also been rallying in the streets of Caracas, demanding the US release their leader.

Early Saturday, American military units carried out a series of targeted attacks in Venezuela's capital, ultimately apprehending the president.

The US accuses Maduro of running a "narco-state" regime. He is widely seen by opponents within his country and by foreign governments as having fraudulently secured Venezuela's recent election.

Maduro – who leads the United Socialist Party and has been in office since 2013 – has often faced allegations of repressing opposition groups and stifling criticism in Venezuela, sometimes with the use of violence.

What Comes Next?

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

The danger of voicing opposition against Maduro is still very real within Venezuela.

Jorge reported seeing motorcyclists from pro-government groups, which are armed collectives in Venezuela, roaming the streets with arms recently.

"It is intimidating 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 sense of relief at Maduro's removal. But, she too is skeptical about the what lies ahead and what it means for the millions in exile.

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 challenging path forward," Sandra added. "No country had previously heard the cry of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

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