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As the dust settles in Caracas, 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 detonations in the Caracas Valley, with moods that varied between celebration to condemnation.

Citizen Perspectives

Dina, a local resident, stated that for now, she is grateful for the US action for "removing Maduro from power" because now, she "finally glimpses some light at the end of the tunnel again".

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

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

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

"Following his arrest, what's going to happen?" Jorge asked. "It offers no guarantees. So there is a great deal of doubt. We don't know what the coming days will bring."

Loyalist Backlash

Government loyalists have also been rallying in the streets of the capital, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

Early Saturday, US forces carried out a series of precision operations in Venezuela's capital, ultimately apprehending the president.

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

Maduro – who leads 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.

A Path Full of Questions

With Maduro facing extradition to face drug trafficking and weapons charges, the country's destiny remains in flux.

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

Jorge reported seeing motorcyclists from colectivos, which are armed collectives in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods with weapons recently.

"It makes you a bit afraid to even leave the house for essentials right now," he said. "We must hope for the best and remain patient."

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

Nearly eight million Venezuelans have fled Venezuela since Maduro assumed the presidency.

"This is merely the first step; we know there is still a long road ahead," Sandra stated. "The world had long ignored the plea 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 "better economic situation" for the struggling nation.