🔗 Share this article

In the aftermath in Caracas, citizens are responding to the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by US forces with a wide spectrum of hope, fear, and uncertainty.

Citizens cautiously came out in the streets on Saturday after a night marked by explosions in the Caracas Valley, with moods that varied between jubilation to condemnation.

Voices from the Streets

Dina, a local resident, stated that for now, she is thankful for the US action for "taking Maduro out of here" because now, she "at least can see some light at the end of the tunnel again".

"His statements are inconsistent and ever-changing," she commented regarding 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 near Caracas, explained that while he's appreciative to be "backed by the United States", he fears the immediate future will not be easy.

"With this man's removal, what's going to happen?" he wondered. "Nothing is assured. So there is a great deal of doubt. We cannot predict what the next chapter will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

Supporters of Maduro's government have also been rallying in the streets of the capital, demanding the US release their leader.

Early Saturday, US forces executed a series of targeted attacks in Caracas, ultimately taking the country's leader into custody.

The American government charges Maduro of leading a "narco-state" regime. He is widely seen by opponents 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 office since 2013 – has often faced allegations of repressing opposition groups and stifling criticism in Venezuela, sometimes with the use of violence.

A Path Full of Questions

As Maduro and his wife are extradited to answer to serious criminal indictments, the future of Venezuela remains uncertain.

The risk of speaking out against Maduro is still palpable within Venezuela.

Jorge said he saw motorcyclists from colectivos, 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 Venezuelan city of Punto Fijo, echoed the sense of 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 fled Venezuela since Maduro came to power.

"We are just at the start; we know there is still a long road ahead," 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.