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In the aftermath in Caracas, the people are processing the news of the arrest of President Maduro by US forces with a complex mix of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

Residents started to appear in the streets on Saturday after a night marked by explosions in the Caracas Valley, with public sentiment that ranged from jubilation to condemnation.

Mixed Reactions

Dina, a Caracas 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 hope for the future again".

"His statements are inconsistent and ever-changing," she commented about the US leadership. "I find it hard to trust his promises."

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

Jorge, another Venezuelan who lives near Caracas, explained that while he's appreciative to be "backed by the United States", he fears the immediate future will not be easy.

"Following his arrest, what's going to happen?" he wondered. "It offers no guarantees. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We don't know what the next chapter will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

Maduro allies have also been demonstrating publicly of the capital, demanding the US release their leader.

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-terrorist" regime. He is widely seen 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 power since 2013 – has frequently been accused of crushing dissent and silencing dissent in Venezuela, at times with the employment of force.

A Path Full of Questions

As Maduro and his wife are extradited to answer to serious criminal indictments, the future of Venezuela remains in flux.

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

Jorge said he saw motorcyclists from colectivos, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods with arms recently.

"It creates a sense of fear 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, 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 left Venezuela since Maduro assumed the presidency.

"This is merely the first step; we know there is still a long road ahead," Sandra added. "No country had previously heard the plea of Venezuelans in the face of this tragedy."

For many, the only positive aspect of recent statements is the promise of foreign investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "better economic situation" for the struggling nation.