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As the dust settles in Caracas, the people are responding to the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by American authorities with a complex mix of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

Residents started to appear in the streets on Saturday after a night filled with detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with moods that ranged from jubilation to anger.

Voices from the Streets

Dina, a Caracas resident, expressed that for now, she is thankful for the US action for "taking Maduro out of here" because now, she "finally glimpses some light at the end of the tunnel again".

"His statements are inconsistent and ever-changing," she commented about the US leadership. "I find it hard to trust his promises."

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

Jorge, another citizen who lives near Caracas, told that while he's appreciative to be "well-supported by American forces", he fears the coming days will not be easy.

"Following his arrest, 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

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

Early Saturday, US forces executed a series of targeted attacks in Venezuela's capital, ultimately apprehending the president.

The US accuses Maduro of leading a "narco-terrorist" regime. He is broadly viewed by opponents domestically and by the international community as having illegitimately won Venezuela's recent election.

Maduro – who heads the ruling party and has been in power since 2013 – has often faced allegations of crushing dissent and silencing dissent in Venezuela, at times with the use of violence.

An Uncertain Future

With Maduro facing extradition to answer to serious criminal indictments, the country's destiny remains uncertain.

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

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

"It makes you a bit afraid to even go out to buy bread right now," he said. "Patience and hope are all we have."

Sandra, who lives in the city of Punto Fijo, shared the relief at Maduro's ousting. But, she too is skeptical about the future and what it means for the millions in exile.

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

"This is merely the first step; we know there is still a challenging path forward," Sandra added. "The world had long ignored the cry of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

For many, 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.