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In the aftermath in the Venezuelan capital, the people are reacting to the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by US forces with a complex mix of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets over the weekend after a night rocked by explosions in the Caracas Valley, with moods that varied between jubilation to outrage.

Voices from the Streets

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

The atmosphere in the country remains highly charged, which is part of why she chose to use a pseudonym.

Jorge, another citizen who lives near Caracas, told that while he's grateful 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?" he wondered. "It offers no guarantees. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We cannot predict what the coming days will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

Government loyalists have also been demonstrating publicly of Caracas, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

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

The US accuses Maduro of leading a "narco-state" regime. He is broadly viewed by opponents domestically and by foreign governments as having illegitimately won the last presidential vote.

Maduro – who leads the United Socialist Party and has been in power since 2013 – has frequently been accused of repressing opposition groups and stifling criticism in Venezuela, at times with the employment of force.

A Path Full of Questions

With Maduro facing extradition to face drug trafficking and weapons charges, the future of Venezuela remains unclear.

The danger of voicing opposition against Maduro is still a genuine threat within Venezuela.

Jorge said he saw motorcyclists from pro-government groups, which are armed collectives in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods with arms recently.

"It is intimidating 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, shared the relief at Maduro's ousting. 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 assumed the presidency.

"This is only the beginning; we know there is still a difficult journey to come," Sandra added. "No country had previously heard the plea of Venezuelans in the face of this tragedy."

Among the populace, the sole encouraging sign of recent statements is the promise of foreign investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "improved financial outlook" for the country in crisis.