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As the dust settles in the Venezuelan capital, the people are processing the news of the arrest of President Maduro by US forces with a complex mix of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets on Saturday after a night filled with explosions in the Caracas Valley, with moods that ranged from jubilation to outrage.

Mixed Reactions

Dina, a local resident, stated that for now, she is grateful for the US action 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 regarding the American president. "I find it hard to trust his promises."

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

Jorge, another Venezuelan who lives outside the capital, told that while he's grateful to be "well-supported by the United States", he fears the coming days 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 coming days will bring."

Tense Political Landscape

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

Early Saturday, US forces executed a series of precision operations in Venezuela's capital, ultimately apprehending the president.

The US accuses Maduro of leading a "narco-state" regime. He is widely seen by critics domestically and by foreign governments as having illegitimately won Venezuela's recent election.

Maduro – who heads the United Socialist Party and has been in office since 2013 – has frequently been accused of repressing opposition groups and silencing dissent in Venezuela, sometimes with the employment of force.

A Path Full of Questions

As Maduro and his wife are extradited to face drug trafficking and weapons charges, the future of Venezuela remains uncertain.

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

Jorge said he saw riders from pro-government groups, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, roaming the streets with arms recently.

"It makes you a bit afraid to even leave the house for essentials right now," he said. "We'll have to wait for the best and have patience."

Sandra, who lives in the 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 millions in exile.

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

"We are just at the start; we know there is still a difficult journey to come," Sandra stated. "No country had previously heard the cry of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

For many, the sole encouraging sign of recent statements is the promise of international investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "improved financial outlook" for the country in crisis.