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As the dust settles in the Venezuelan capital, the people are reacting to the news of the arrest of President Maduro by US forces with a complex mix of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets over the weekend after a night rocked by detonations in the Caracas Valley, with public sentiment that ranged from celebration to outrage.

Voices from the Streets

Dina, a Caracas resident, stated that for now, she is thankful for the American intervention for "taking Maduro out of here" because now, she "finally glimpses some hope for the future again".

"He says something now and tomorrow he changes his mind," Dina said about the US leadership. "His declarations carry little weight with me."

The political climate remains tense, 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 "well-supported by the United States", he is apprehensive that the immediate future will not be easy.

"Following his arrest, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "Nothing is assured. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We cannot predict what the next chapter will bring."

Tense Political Landscape

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

Early Saturday, American military units executed a series of targeted attacks in Venezuela's capital, ultimately apprehending the president.

The American government charges Maduro of running a "narco-terrorist" regime. He is widely seen by critics domestically and by foreign governments as having fraudulently secured Venezuela's recent election.

Maduro – who leads the ruling party and has been in power since 2013 – has frequently been accused of repressing opposition groups and silencing dissent in Venezuela, sometimes with the use of violence.

A Path Full of Questions

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

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

Jorge reported seeing motorcyclists 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, echoed the relief at Maduro's ousting. But, she too is skeptical about the future and what it means for the millions in exile.

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

"This is merely the first step; we know there is still a long road ahead," Sandra added. "The world had long ignored the cry of Venezuelans in the face of this tragedy."

Among the populace, the sole encouraging sign of recent statements is the commitment of foreign investment in Venezuela, which some hope will lead to a "more stable economy" for the country in crisis.