🔗 Share this article

In the aftermath in the Venezuelan capital, residents are responding to the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by American authorities with a complex mix of optimism, anxiety, and doubt.

Residents started to appear in the streets on Saturday after a night filled with explosions in the valley surrounding the capital, with moods that ranged from celebration to outrage.

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 "at least can see some light at the end of the tunnel again".

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

The political climate remains highly charged, which is part of why she did not provide her full name.

Jorge, another Venezuelan who lives outside the capital, told that while he's appreciative to be "well-supported by American forces", he fears the immediate future will not be easy.

"Now that they are taking this man away, what's going to happen?" he wondered. "Nothing is assured. So there is a bit of uncertainty. We cannot predict what the next chapter will bring."

Ongoing Tensions

Government loyalists have also been gathering in protest of Caracas, demanding the American authorities free Maduro.

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

The US accuses 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 leads the United Socialist Party and has been in power since 2013 – has often faced allegations of crushing dissent and silencing dissent in Venezuela, sometimes with the employment of force.

What Comes Next?

With Maduro facing extradition to face drug trafficking and weapons charges, the future of Venezuela remains in flux.

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

Jorge said he saw motorcyclists from colectivos, which are paramilitary groups in Venezuela, patrolling neighborhoods 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, shared the sense of relief at Maduro's removal. But, she too is skeptical about the future and what it means for the vast diaspora.

Close to eight million Venezuelans have left Venezuela since Maduro assumed the presidency.

"This is only the beginning; we know there is still a difficult journey to come," Sandra added. "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 believe will lead to a "improved financial outlook" for the country in crisis.