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In the aftermath in Caracas, residents are processing the news of the arrest of President Maduro by American authorities with a complex mix of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

Residents started to appear in the streets on Saturday after a night rocked by detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with public sentiment that ranged from jubilation to outrage.

Voices from the Streets

Dina, a local 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 light at the end of the tunnel again".

"He says something now and tomorrow he changes his mind," Dina said regarding the US leadership. "I'm not used to taking his words seriously."

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

Jorge, another citizen who lives outside the capital, told that while he's appreciative to be "backed by the United States", he fears the immediate future will not be easy.

"With this man's removal, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "It offers no guarantees. So there is a great deal of doubt. We cannot predict what the coming days will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

Supporters of Maduro's government have also been gathering in protest of the capital, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

In the early hours, US forces carried out a series of targeted attacks in Caracas, ultimately taking the country's leader into custody.

The American government charges Maduro of leading a "narco-state" 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 office since 2013 – has often faced allegations of repressing opposition groups and silencing dissent in Venezuela, sometimes with the employment of force.

An Uncertain Future

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

The risk of speaking out against Maduro is still a genuine threat within Venezuela.

Jorge reported seeing riders from pro-government groups, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods with weapons recently.

"It creates a sense of fear to even leave the house for essentials right now," he said. "Patience and hope are all we have."

Sandra, who lives in the Venezuelan city of Punto Fijo, shared the relief at Maduro's removal. But, she too is doubtful 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 difficult journey to come," Sandra stated. "The world had long ignored the plea of Venezuelans in the face of this tragedy."

For many, the sole encouraging sign of recent statements is the promise of international investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "improved financial outlook" for the struggling nation.