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In the aftermath in the Venezuelan capital, the people are reacting to the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by American authorities with a complex mix of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Residents started to appear in the streets over the weekend after a night rocked by detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with moods that varied between jubilation to anger.

Mixed Reactions

Dina, a local resident, stated 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 about the US leadership. "His declarations carry little weight with me."

The political climate remains volatile, which is part of why she did not provide her full name.

Jorge, another citizen who lives outside the capital, told that while he's appreciative to be "backed by American forces", he is apprehensive that the immediate future will not be easy.

"Following his arrest, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "Nothing is assured. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We cannot predict what the coming days will bring."

Loyalist Backlash

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

Early Saturday, 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 opponents domestically and by foreign governments as having fraudulently secured the last presidential vote.

Maduro – who heads the ruling party and has been in power since 2013 – has frequently been accused of crushing dissent and silencing dissent in Venezuela, sometimes with the employment of force.

A Path Full of Questions

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 palpable within Venezuela.

Jorge reported seeing riders from pro-government groups, which are armed collectives in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods with weapons 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 ousting. But, she too is skeptical about the future 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 difficult journey to come," Sandra stated. "The world had long ignored the plea of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

Among the populace, 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.