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In the aftermath in Caracas, citizens are reacting to the news of the arrest of President Maduro by US forces with a wide spectrum of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

People began to emerge in the streets over the weekend after a night rocked by explosions in the Caracas Valley, with moods that varied between celebration to condemnation.

Mixed Reactions

Dina, a Caracas resident, expressed that for now, she is grateful for the US action 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," Dina said about the US leadership. "His declarations carry little weight with me."

The atmosphere in the country 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 grateful to be "well-supported by American forces", he fears 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 bit of uncertainty. We cannot predict what the coming days will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

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

Early Saturday, US forces carried out a series of targeted attacks in Caracas, ultimately apprehending the president.

The American government charges Maduro of leading a "narco-terrorist" regime. He is widely seen by opponents domestically and by the international community as having illegitimately won the last presidential vote.

Maduro – who leads the ruling party and has been in power 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 future of Venezuela remains unclear.

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

Jorge said he saw riders from colectivos, which are armed collectives in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods with weapons recently.

"It makes you a bit afraid to even leave the house for essentials right now," he said. "Patience and hope are all we have."

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

Nearly eight million Venezuelans have left Venezuela since Maduro came to power.

"We are just at the start; we know there is still a difficult journey to come," 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 international investment in Venezuela, which some hope will lead to a "improved financial outlook" for the struggling nation.