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Following the dramatic events in the Venezuelan capital, residents are processing the news of the arrest of President Maduro by American authorities with a wide spectrum of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets on Saturday after a night marked by explosions in the Caracas Valley, with public sentiment that varied between celebration to condemnation.

Voices from the Streets

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".

"His word today may not be his word tomorrow," Dina said about the US leadership. "I'm not used to taking his words seriously."

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

Jorge, another citizen who lives outside the capital, told that while he's grateful to be "backed by American forces", he fears the immediate future will not be easy.

"Now that they are taking this man away, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "It offers no guarantees. So there is a great deal of doubt. We cannot predict what the next chapter will bring."

Loyalist Backlash

Supporters of Maduro's government have also been rallying in the streets of Caracas, demanding the US release their leader.

In the early hours, American military units carried out a series of precision operations in Caracas, ultimately apprehending the president.

The American government charges Maduro of leading a "narco-state" regime. He is broadly viewed by opponents within his country and by foreign governments as having fraudulently secured 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 stifling criticism in Venezuela, sometimes with the use of violence.

An Uncertain Future

As Maduro and his wife are extradited to face drug trafficking and weapons charges, the future of Venezuela remains uncertain.

The danger of speaking out against Maduro is still palpable within Venezuela.

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

"It is intimidating 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 Venezuelan city of Punto Fijo, echoed 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 left Venezuela since Maduro assumed the presidency.

"This is only the beginning; we know there is still a difficult journey to come," Sandra added. "The world had long ignored the cry of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

For many, the sole encouraging sign of recent statements is the promise of foreign investment in Venezuela, which some hope will lead to a "improved financial outlook" for the country in crisis.