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Following the dramatic events in Caracas, residents are processing the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by American authorities with a wide spectrum of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

People began to emerge in the streets over the weekend after a night rocked by explosions in the valley surrounding the capital, with public sentiment that ranged from jubilation to condemnation.

Mixed Reactions

Dina, a Caracas resident, expressed that for now, she is grateful for the US action for "removing Maduro from power" because now, she "finally glimpses some hope for the future again".

"His word today may not be his word tomorrow," Dina said regarding the American president. "I'm not used to taking his words seriously."

The political climate remains highly charged, 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 American forces", he fears the immediate future will not be easy.

"Now that they are taking this man away, what's going to happen?" he wondered. "It doesn't guarantee us anything. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We don't know what the next chapter will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

Maduro allies have also been demonstrating publicly of the capital, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

Early Saturday, American military units carried out a series of targeted attacks in Caracas, ultimately taking the country's leader into custody.

The US accuses Maduro of running a "narco-terrorist" regime. He is broadly viewed by critics within his country and by foreign governments as having illegitimately won Venezuela's recent election.

Maduro – who heads the ruling party and has been in power since 2013 – has frequently been accused of crushing dissent and stifling criticism in Venezuela, sometimes with the use of violence.

What Comes Next?

As Maduro and his wife are extradited to answer to serious criminal indictments, the future of Venezuela remains in flux.

The danger 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, roaming the streets with arms recently.

"It is intimidating 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 sense of relief at Maduro's ousting. 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 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 plea of Venezuelans in the face of this tragedy."

For many, the sole encouraging sign of recent statements is the promise of international investment in Venezuela, which some hope will lead to a "more stable economy" for the country in crisis.