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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 American authorities with a wide spectrum of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets on Saturday after a night filled with explosions in the valley surrounding the capital, with public sentiment that varied between jubilation to outrage.

Citizen Perspectives

Dina, a local resident, expressed that for now, she is thankful for the American intervention for "removing Maduro from power" because now, she "at least can see some light at the end of the tunnel again".

"He says something now and tomorrow he changes his mind," Dina said about the American president. "I'm not used to taking his words seriously."

The political climate remains tense, which is part of why she did not provide her full name.

Jorge, another Venezuelan who lives outside the capital, explained that while he's appreciative to be "backed by American forces", he fears the immediate future 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 bit of uncertainty. We don't know what the coming days will bring."

Loyalist Backlash

Maduro allies have also been gathering in protest of Caracas, demanding the US release their leader.

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

The US accuses Maduro of running a "narco-state" regime. He is widely seen by critics within his country and by foreign governments as having fraudulently secured the last presidential vote.

Maduro – who leads the ruling party and has been in office since 2013 – has frequently been accused of repressing opposition groups and stifling criticism in Venezuela, sometimes with the use of violence.

A Path Full of Questions

With Maduro facing extradition to answer to serious criminal indictments, the country's destiny remains uncertain.

The danger of voicing opposition against Maduro is still palpable within Venezuela.

Jorge reported seeing riders from colectivos, 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. "We must hope for the best and remain patient."

Sandra, who lives in the city of Punto Fijo, shared 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 added. "The world had long ignored 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 "more stable economy" for the struggling nation.