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As the dust settles in the Venezuelan capital, residents are responding to the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by US forces with a complex mix of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

People began to emerge in the streets on Saturday after a night filled with detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with public sentiment that ranged from jubilation to outrage.

Citizen Perspectives

Dina, a local resident, stated that for now, she is grateful for the American intervention for "removing Maduro from power" because now, she "finally glimpses some light at the end of the tunnel again".

"His word today may not be his word tomorrow," 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 outside the capital, told that while he's appreciative to be "backed by the United States", he is apprehensive that the coming days will not be easy.

"With this man's removal, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "It doesn't guarantee us anything. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We cannot predict what the next chapter will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

Supporters of Maduro's government have also been gathering in protest of Caracas, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

In the early hours, US forces executed a series of targeted attacks in Caracas, ultimately apprehending the president.

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

Maduro – who heads the ruling party and has been in office since 2013 – has often faced allegations of crushing dissent and stifling criticism in Venezuela, at times with the employment of force.

An Uncertain Future

As Maduro and his wife are extradited to face drug trafficking and weapons charges, the country's destiny remains uncertain.

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

Jorge said he saw motorcyclists from colectivos, 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. "We'll have to wait for the best and have patience."

Sandra, who lives in the Venezuelan city of Punto Fijo, echoed the relief at Maduro's removal. But, she too is doubtful 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.

"This is only the beginning; we know there is still a challenging path forward," Sandra stated. "No country had previously heard the cry of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

For many, the sole encouraging sign of recent statements is the promise of international investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "better economic situation" for the struggling nation.