Security measures for Pence: Vehicles and dog arrived from the US, Podgorica under siege

The arrival of Mike Pence, the US Vice President, was accompanied by unprecedented security measures, which at times resembled movie scenes. A large number of journalists, American diplomats, an honor guard, and an orchestra welcomed the landing of "Air Force 2" on the hot tarmac of Podgorica Airport.

Prime Minister Duško Marković arrived on the tarmac shortly before landing with his wife Nata, marking her first public appearance. They were joined by US Ambassador Margaret Uehara, Vijesti.me reports, as conveyed by the Patria agency.

Pence and his wife Karen waved to those gathered from the airplane stairs.

Pence and Marković listened to the American and then the Montenegrin national anthems on the podium, while their wives stood beside them. They walked briefly to three armored SUVs, spoke for an even shorter time in front of the vehicles, and then drove away from the airport. The ceremonial welcome, in Podgorica's 40-degree Celsius heat, lasted less than 15 minutes.

Pence's arrival was marked by unprecedented security measures, largely orchestrated by US services. The road to the airport made Podgorica appear to be under siege, and the Hilton Hotel, where Pence will be staying and where the Adriatic Charter summit will be held, was cordoned off on all sides.

Police guarded every corner, while helicopters circled overhead throughout the afternoon. Members of the Special Police Unit, in full gear, monitored the airport, and before Pence's plane, a military aircraft, "Air Force," the advance party for the US Vice President, had landed.

Dog and vehicles arrived from the US

After a lengthy wait for equipment checks, American agents appeared with a dog, which had been brought from the US specifically for this task. The trained dog sniffed every tripod, camera, photographic device, and lens, for which it was rewarded with a chew stick.

In addition to the dog, special vehicles also arrived in Podgorica, which Pence and his entourage used to depart from the airport.

The US Vice President, his wife, and security detail departed in black armored Chevrolet Suburban SUVs with Washington state license plates.