A Long Road Ahead: Venezuelans React to Maduro's Capture with Hope and Worry.

Following the dramatic events in Caracas, the people are responding to 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 filled with detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with moods that varied between celebration to anger.

Voices from the Streets

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

"His statements are inconsistent and ever-changing," Dina said regarding the US leadership. "His declarations carry little weight with me."

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

Jorge, another citizen who lives outside the capital, told that while he's appreciative to be "backed by the United States", he is apprehensive that the coming days will not be easy.

"Now that they are taking this man away, 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."

Ongoing Tensions

Government loyalists have also been demonstrating publicly of the capital, demanding the US release their leader.

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

The American government charges Maduro of leading a "narco-state" regime. He is widely seen by opponents 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 office since 2013 – has frequently been accused of crushing dissent and stifling criticism in Venezuela, at times with the employment of force.

An Uncertain Future

With Maduro facing extradition to answer to serious criminal indictments, the future of Venezuela remains uncertain.

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

Jorge said he saw riders from colectivos, which are armed collectives in Venezuela, roaming the streets with weapons recently.

"It is intimidating to even go out to buy bread right now," he said. "Patience and hope are all we have."

Sandra, who lives in the Venezuelan city of Punto Fijo, shared the sense of 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 left Venezuela since Maduro assumed the presidency.

"This is only the beginning; we know there is still a long road ahead," Sandra stated. "The world had long ignored the cry of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."

For many, the only positive aspect of recent statements is the commitment of international investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "more stable economy" for the country in crisis.