A Difficult Journey to Come: Citizens Respond to Maduro's Capture with Mixed Feelings.

In the aftermath in Caracas, citizens are reacting to the news of the arrest of President Maduro by American authorities with a wide spectrum of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

Residents started to appear in the streets over the weekend after a night marked by detonations in the valley surrounding the capital, with moods that varied between jubilation to anger.

Citizen Perspectives

Dina, a Caracas resident, expressed 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".

"His word today may not be his word tomorrow," she commented regarding the American president. "I'm not used to taking his words seriously."

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

Jorge, another Venezuelan who lives outside the capital, told that while he's appreciative to be "well-supported by the United States", 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 great deal of doubt. We cannot predict what the next chapter will bring."

Tense Political Landscape

Supporters of Maduro's government have also been rallying in the streets of the capital, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

Overnight, American military units executed a series of targeted attacks in Venezuela's capital, ultimately taking the country's leader into custody.

The American government charges Maduro of running a "narco-state" regime. He is broadly viewed by opponents domestically and by foreign governments as having illegitimately won the last presidential vote.

Maduro – who heads the ruling party and has been in office since 2013 – has frequently been accused of repressing opposition groups and silencing dissent in Venezuela, at times with the use of violence.

What Comes Next?

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

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

Jorge said he saw riders from pro-government groups, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods with arms recently.

"It makes you a bit afraid 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 city of Punto Fijo, echoed the relief at Maduro's removal. But, she too is doubtful about the future and what it means for the vast diaspora.

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."

For many, the sole encouraging sign of recent statements is the promise of foreign investment in Venezuela, which some believe will lead to a "more stable economy" for the struggling nation.