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Following the dramatic events in Caracas, the people are processing 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 on Saturday after a night filled with explosions in the valley surrounding the capital, with moods that ranged from jubilation to outrage.

Citizen Perspectives

Dina, a Caracas resident, stated that for now, she is grateful for the American intervention for "removing Maduro from power" because now, she "at least can see some light at the end of the tunnel 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 highly charged, which is part of why she chose to use a pseudonym.

Jorge, another citizen 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?" Jorge asked. "Nothing is assured. So there is a great deal of doubt. We don't know what the next chapter will bring."

Loyalist Backlash

Maduro allies have also been rallying in the streets of the capital, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

In the early hours, 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-terrorist" regime. He is widely seen by opponents within his country 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 often faced allegations of repressing opposition groups and stifling criticism in Venezuela, sometimes with the employment of force.

What Comes Next?

With Maduro facing extradition to face drug trafficking and weapons charges, the future of Venezuela remains unclear.

The risk of voicing opposition against Maduro is still very real within Venezuela.

Jorge said he saw motorcyclists from pro-government groups, which are paramilitary groups 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 must hope for the best and remain patient."

Sandra, who lives in the city of Punto Fijo, echoed the relief at Maduro's ousting. But, she too is doubtful about the what lies ahead and what it means for the vast diaspora.

Nearly 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. "The world had long ignored the plea of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

For many, the only positive aspect 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.