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As the dust settles in the Venezuelan capital, the people are responding to the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by US forces with a wide spectrum of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

People began to emerge in the streets over the weekend after a night filled with detonations in the Caracas Valley, with public sentiment that ranged from jubilation to anger.

Voices from the Streets

Dina, a Caracas resident, expressed 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," she commented about the American president. "I find it hard to trust his promises."

The political climate remains highly charged, which is part of why she chose to use a pseudonym.

Jorge, another citizen who lives outside the capital, explained that while he's grateful to be "well-supported by American forces", he is apprehensive that the immediate future will not be easy.

"Following his arrest, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "It offers no guarantees. So there is a great deal of doubt. We cannot predict what the coming days will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

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

Overnight, US forces carried out a series of precision operations in Caracas, ultimately taking the country's leader into custody.

The American government charges Maduro of running a "narco-state" regime. He is broadly viewed by critics domestically and by the international community as having illegitimately won the last presidential vote.

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.

An Uncertain Future

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

The danger of voicing opposition against Maduro is still a genuine threat within Venezuela.

Jorge said he saw 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. "Patience and hope are all we have."

Sandra, who lives in the Venezuelan city of Punto Fijo, echoed the sense of relief at Maduro's removal. But, she too is skeptical about the what lies ahead and what it means for the millions in exile.

Close to 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 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 believe will lead to a "better economic situation" for the country in crisis.