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In the aftermath in Caracas, the people are processing the news of the arrest of President Maduro by American authorities with a wide spectrum of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets on Saturday after a night marked by explosions in the Caracas Valley, with moods that ranged from jubilation to condemnation.

Voices from the Streets

Dina, a Caracas resident, stated that for now, she is grateful for the US action 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 American president. "I'm not used to taking his words seriously."

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

Jorge, another citizen who lives near Caracas, explained that while he's grateful to be "backed by American forces", he fears the immediate future will not be easy.

"Following his arrest, what's going to happen?" he wondered. "It doesn't guarantee us anything. So there is a great deal of doubt. We don't know what the coming days will bring."

Tense Political Landscape

Supporters of Maduro's government have also been demonstrating publicly of the capital, demanding the US release their leader.

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

The US accuses Maduro of running a "narco-terrorist" regime. He is widely seen by opponents 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 often faced allegations of crushing dissent and silencing dissent in Venezuela, at times with the employment of force.

What Comes Next?

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

The risk of speaking out against Maduro is still a genuine threat within Venezuela.

Jorge reported seeing motorcyclists from colectivos, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods with weapons recently.

"It makes you a bit afraid 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, shared the sense of relief at Maduro's removal. But, she too is skeptical about the what lies ahead and what it means for the vast diaspora.

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

"We are just at the start; we know there is still a long road ahead," Sandra stated. "No country had previously heard 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 hope will lead to a "improved financial outlook" for the country in crisis.