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As the dust settles in Caracas, the people are processing the news of the arrest of President Maduro by US forces with a complex mix of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

People began to emerge in the streets on Saturday after a night filled with detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with public sentiment that varied between jubilation to outrage.

Mixed Reactions

Dina, a local resident, stated that for now, she is thankful for the US action for "taking Maduro out of here" because now, she "at least can see some hope for the future again".

"He says something now and tomorrow he changes his mind," Dina said about the American president. "His declarations carry little weight with me."

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

Jorge, another Venezuelan who lives outside the capital, told that while he's appreciative to be "well-supported by American forces", he fears the coming days will not be easy.

"With this man's removal, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "It offers no guarantees. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We cannot predict what the next chapter will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

Supporters of Maduro's government have also been gathering in protest of the capital, demanding the US release their leader.

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 running a "narco-terrorist" regime. He is widely seen by opponents within his country and by foreign governments as having illegitimately won Venezuela's recent election.

Maduro – who leads the ruling party and has been in office since 2013 – has often faced allegations of repressing opposition groups and stifling criticism in Venezuela, at times with the employment of force.

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 very real within Venezuela.

Jorge reported seeing motorcyclists from colectivos, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods with arms recently.

"It creates a sense of fear 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 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 came to power.

"This is merely the first step; we know there is still a difficult journey to come," Sandra added. "No country had previously heard the cry 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 hope will lead to a "more stable economy" for the country in crisis.