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Following the dramatic events in Caracas, citizens are reacting to the news of the arrest of President Maduro by American authorities with a wide spectrum of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Residents started to appear in the streets on Saturday after a night filled with explosions in the valley surrounding the capital, with public sentiment that varied between celebration to condemnation.

Mixed Reactions

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

"His word today may not be his word tomorrow," Dina said regarding the American president. "I find it hard to trust his promises."

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

Jorge, another citizen who lives outside the capital, told that while he's grateful 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. "Nothing is assured. So there is a great deal of doubt. We cannot predict what the coming days will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

Maduro allies have also been gathering in protest of the capital, demanding the US release their leader.

Overnight, US forces executed a series of precision operations in Caracas, ultimately apprehending the president.

The US accuses Maduro of leading a "narco-state" regime. He is widely seen by opponents within his country and by the international community 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 use of violence.

An Uncertain Future

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

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

Jorge reported seeing riders from colectivos, 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 city of Punto Fijo, echoed the sense of relief at Maduro's removal. But, she too is skeptical about the future and what it means for the vast diaspora.

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. "No country had previously heard the cry 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 hope will lead to a "more stable economy" for the country in crisis.