In the aftermath in Caracas, residents are responding to the news of the arrest of President Maduro by American authorities with a complex mix of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.
Residents started to appear in the streets on Saturday after a night rocked by explosions in the valley surrounding the capital, with moods that ranged from celebration to condemnation.
Voices from the Streets
Dina, a local resident, stated that for now, she is thankful for the American intervention for "taking Maduro out of here" because now, she "at least can see some light at the end of the tunnel again".
"He says something now and tomorrow he changes his mind," she commented about the US leadership. "His declarations carry little weight with me."
The political climate remains volatile, which is part of why she did not provide her full name.
Jorge, another citizen who lives near Caracas, explained that while he's grateful to be "backed by the United States", he is apprehensive that the immediate future will not be easy.
"With this man's removal, what's going to happen?" he wondered. "It offers no guarantees. So there is a great deal of doubt. We cannot predict what the coming days will bring."
Loyalist Backlash
Government loyalists have also been demonstrating publicly of the capital, demanding the US release their leader.
Early Saturday, 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 critics domestically and by the international community as having fraudulently secured Venezuela's recent election.
Maduro – who leads the United Socialist Party and has been in office since 2013 – has frequently been accused of repressing opposition groups and stifling criticism in Venezuela, sometimes with the employment of force.
A Path Full of Questions
As Maduro and his wife are extradited to answer to serious criminal indictments, the country's destiny remains in flux.
The danger of speaking out against Maduro is still a genuine threat within Venezuela.
Jorge said he saw riders from pro-government groups, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, roaming the streets with arms recently.
"It creates a sense of fear 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 ousting. But, she too is doubtful about the future 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 added. "The world had long ignored the cry of Venezuelans in the face of this humanitarian crisis."
Among the populace, the only positive aspect of recent statements is the promise of international investment in Venezuela, which some hope will lead to a "better economic situation" for the country in crisis.
