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Following the dramatic events in Caracas, 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.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets over the weekend after a night filled with detonations in the Caracas Valley, with public sentiment that ranged from jubilation to outrage.

Voices from the Streets

Dina, a Caracas resident, stated that for now, she is thankful 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 word today may not be his word tomorrow," Dina said about the US leadership. "I'm not used to taking his words seriously."

The atmosphere in the country remains tense, which is part of why she chose to use a pseudonym.

Jorge, another Venezuelan who lives outside the capital, explained that while he's grateful to be "backed by the United States", he is apprehensive that 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 great deal of doubt. We don't know what the coming days will bring."

Loyalist Backlash

Supporters of Maduro's government have also been rallying in the streets of Caracas, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

In the early hours, American military units carried out a series of targeted attacks in Caracas, ultimately apprehending the president.

The US accuses Maduro of leading a "narco-state" regime. He is broadly viewed by critics 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 office since 2013 – has often faced allegations of crushing dissent and silencing dissent in Venezuela, sometimes with the employment of force.

What Comes Next?

As Maduro and his wife are extradited to answer to serious criminal indictments, the country's destiny remains in flux.

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

Jorge reported seeing riders from colectivos, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods with weapons recently.

"It creates a sense of fear to even go out to buy bread right now," he said. "Patience and hope are all we have."

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 millions in exile.

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 difficult journey to come," Sandra stated. "No country had previously heard the cry of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

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