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In the aftermath in Caracas, residents are reacting to the news of the arrest of President Maduro by American authorities with a wide spectrum of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

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

Mixed Reactions

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".

"His word today may not be his word tomorrow," Dina said about the American president. "His declarations carry little weight with me."

The atmosphere in the country remains tense, which is part of why she did not provide her full name.

Jorge, another citizen who lives near Caracas, explained that while he's grateful to be "well-supported by American forces", he is apprehensive that the coming days will not be easy.

"Following his arrest, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "It offers no guarantees. So there is a great deal of doubt. We cannot predict 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.

Overnight, American military units executed a series of targeted attacks in Caracas, ultimately taking the country's leader into custody.

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

Maduro – who heads the United Socialist Party and has been in power since 2013 – has frequently been accused of crushing dissent and silencing dissent in Venezuela, at times with the employment of force.

What Comes Next?

With Maduro facing extradition to face drug trafficking and weapons charges, the country's destiny remains uncertain.

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

Jorge reported seeing motorcyclists from colectivos, which are armed collectives in Venezuela, roaming the streets with weapons recently.

"It makes you a bit afraid to even leave the house for essentials right now," he said. "Patience and hope are all we have."

Sandra, who lives in the Venezuelan 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 millions in exile.

Nearly eight million Venezuelans have left Venezuela since Maduro assumed the presidency.

"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 humanitarian crisis."

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 struggling nation.