In brief
Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces, citizens in Venezuela have taken to the streets, expressing a spectrum of emotions from hope to fear. While some see a potential end to Maduro's authoritarian reign, uncertainty about the future remains palpable, particularly regarding the influence of his loyalists and the stability of the region. As opponents celebrate abroad, the ongoing risk of reprisals and the uncertainty of new leadership loom large.
As the dust settles in Caracas, Venezuelans are reacting to the news of President Nicolás Maduro's capture by the US with hope, fear, and uncertainty.
People began to emerge in the streets Saturday after a night rocked by explosions in the Caracas Valley, with moods that ranged from celebration to condemnation.
Dina, a local resident, told the BBC that for now, she is grateful to the US for taking Maduro out of here because now, she at least can see some light at the end of the tunnel again. But the political climate remains tense, part of why she did not give the BBC her real name.
Supporters of Maduro's government have also been rallying in the streets of Caracas, demanding the US release their leader. Caracas Mayor Carmen Meléndez, a firm government loyalist, joined in the rally to protest against what she called Maduro's kidnapping.
Early Saturday, US forces under President Donald Trump carried out a series of targeted attacks in Venezuela's capital, ultimately taking the country's leader into US custody. The move marks a major escalation after months of tension between the two countries, including dozens of fatal strikes by the US on alleged drug smuggling boats.
The US accuses Maduro of running a narco-terrorist regime. He is widely seen by opponents within his country as well as by foreign governments as having illegitimately won Venezuela's 2024 election.
Maduro - who leads the United Socialist Party and has been in power since 2013 - has frequently been accused of repressing opposition groups and silencing dissent in Venezuela, at times with the use of violence.
As Maduro and his wife are extradited to New York City to face drug trafficking and weapons charges, the future of Venezuela remains unclear. Trump has said the US will run the country - and manage its oil reserves - until a permanent replacement for Maduro can be established.
Even for those who are grateful to see Maduro gone, there's still a lot of fear and uncertainty, several Venezuelans told the BBC.
The danger of speaking out against Maduro is still very real within Venezuela, as the National Assembly - which is dominated by Maduro loyalists - passed a law a few weeks ago declaring anyone who expresses support for US naval blockades a traitor.
Jorge, another Venezuelan who lives near Caracas, told the BBC that while he's grateful to be well-supported by Trump and the entire United States, he fears the coming days will not be easy. Now that they are taking this man away, what's going to happen? he asked.
Sandra, who lives in the Venezuelan city of Punto Fijo, echoed Jorge and Dina's relief at Maduro's ousting. She noted that close to eight million Venezuelans have left since Maduro's rise, with many openly celebrating Maduro's capture in their newfound homes. This is only the beginning; we know there is still a long road ahead, she said.
