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Following the dramatic events in the Venezuelan capital, residents are responding to the news of the arrest of President Maduro 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 marked by detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with moods that ranged from jubilation to anger.

Mixed Reactions

Dina, a local resident, expressed that for now, she is grateful for the US action for "taking Maduro out of here" 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," she commented regarding the American president. "I'm not used to taking his words seriously."

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

Jorge, another citizen who lives outside the capital, explained that while he's appreciative to be "backed by the United States", he is apprehensive that the coming days will not be easy.

"With this man's removal, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "It doesn't guarantee us anything. So there is a great deal of doubt. We don't know what the coming days will bring."

Loyalist Backlash

Government loyalists have also been gathering in protest of the capital, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

Overnight, US forces carried out a series of precision operations in Venezuela's capital, ultimately apprehending the president.

The American government charges Maduro of leading a "narco-terrorist" regime. He is broadly viewed by critics domestically 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 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 danger of speaking out against Maduro is still palpable within Venezuela.

Jorge said he saw 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. "We'll have to wait for the best and have patience."

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

Close to eight million Venezuelans have fled Venezuela since Maduro assumed the presidency.

"This is merely the first step; we know there is still a challenging path forward," Sandra stated. "No country had previously heard the plea of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

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