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Following the dramatic events in the Venezuelan capital, residents are processing the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture 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 filled with detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with public sentiment that ranged from jubilation to outrage.

Voices from the Streets

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

"His statements are inconsistent and ever-changing," Dina said regarding the American president. "His declarations carry little weight with me."

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

Jorge, another Venezuelan who lives near Caracas, 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?" he wondered. "Nothing is assured. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We don't know what the next chapter will bring."

Tense Political Landscape

Government loyalists have also been rallying in the streets of Caracas, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

Early Saturday, US forces carried out a series of targeted attacks in Venezuela's capital, ultimately taking the country's leader into custody.

The US accuses Maduro of running a "narco-state" regime. He is broadly viewed 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 office since 2013 – has frequently been accused of repressing opposition groups and silencing dissent in Venezuela, at times 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 uncertain.

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

Jorge said he saw motorcyclists from colectivos, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods with weapons 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, shared the sense of relief at Maduro's ousting. But, she too is doubtful about the what lies ahead and what it means for the vast diaspora.

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

"We are just at the start; 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."

Among the populace, the only positive aspect of recent statements is the promise of foreign investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "better economic situation" for the country in crisis.