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Following the dramatic events in the Venezuelan capital, citizens are reacting to the news of the arrest of President Maduro by American authorities with a complex mix of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets over the weekend after a night filled with detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with public sentiment that ranged from jubilation to anger.

Mixed Reactions

Dina, a Caracas resident, expressed that for now, she is thankful for the US action for "taking Maduro out of here" because now, she "finally glimpses some hope for the future again".

"He says something now and tomorrow he changes his mind," Dina said about the American president. "I find it hard to trust his promises."

The atmosphere in the country remains volatile, which is part of why she did not provide her full name.

Jorge, another citizen who lives near Caracas, told that while he's appreciative to be "well-supported by American forces", he is apprehensive that the immediate future will not be easy.

"Now that they are taking this man away, what's going to happen?" he wondered. "It doesn't guarantee us anything. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We don't know what the next chapter will bring."

Loyalist Backlash

Government loyalists have also been gathering in protest of the capital, demanding the US release their leader.

Overnight, US forces carried out a series of precision operations in Caracas, ultimately taking the country's leader into custody.

The American government charges Maduro of running a "narco-terrorist" regime. He is broadly viewed by opponents within his country and by the international community as having fraudulently secured Venezuela's recent election.

Maduro – who heads the ruling party and has been in power since 2013 – has often faced allegations of crushing dissent and stifling criticism in Venezuela, at times with the use of violence.

An Uncertain Future

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

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

Jorge reported seeing riders from colectivos, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, roaming the streets with weapons recently.

"It is intimidating to even leave the house for essentials right now," he said. "We'll have to wait for the best and have patience."

Sandra, who lives in the Venezuelan city of Punto Fijo, echoed the sense of relief at Maduro's ousting. But, she too is skeptical about the what lies ahead and what it means for the millions in exile.

Nearly 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. "No country had previously heard the cry of Venezuelans in the face of this tragedy."

Among the populace, the sole encouraging sign of recent statements is the commitment of international investment in Venezuela, which some hope will lead to a "improved financial outlook" for the struggling nation.