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Following the dramatic events in Caracas, the people are reacting to the news of the arrest of President Maduro by US forces with a complex mix of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Residents started to appear in the streets over the weekend after a night filled with explosions in the Caracas Valley, with moods that varied between jubilation to condemnation.

Mixed Reactions

Dina, a Caracas resident, stated that for now, she is grateful for the American intervention for "removing Maduro from power" because now, she "at least can see some hope for the future again".

"He says something now and tomorrow he changes his mind," she commented about the US leadership. "His declarations carry little weight with me."

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

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

"Following his arrest, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "It doesn't guarantee us anything. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We cannot predict what the next chapter will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

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

In the early hours, American military units executed a series of targeted attacks in Venezuela's capital, 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 ruling party and has been in power since 2013 – has frequently been accused of repressing opposition groups and stifling criticism 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 country's destiny remains unclear.

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

Jorge reported seeing motorcyclists from pro-government groups, which are armed collectives in Venezuela, roaming the streets with arms recently.

"It creates a sense of fear to even leave the house for essentials right now," he said. "Patience and hope are all we have."

Sandra, who lives in the city of Punto Fijo, shared the relief at Maduro's ousting. But, she too is skeptical about the what lies ahead and what it means for the vast diaspora.

Nearly eight million Venezuelans have fled Venezuela since Maduro came to power.

"We are just at the start; we know there is still a long road ahead," Sandra added. "The world had long ignored the plea of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

Among the populace, the only positive aspect of recent statements is the promise of foreign investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "improved financial outlook" for the struggling nation.