39 militants blocked from entering Switzerland last year

A total of 39 militants were prevented from entering Switzerland in 2016, more than double the 17 individuals who were denied entry two years ago, the Swiss Federal Office of Police revealed Tuesday.

In its new report, the Office indicated that criminal proceedings were opened in 60 out of the 70 jihadism-related cases under investigation by Swiss authorities in 2016.

While Switzerland has been practically unscathed by terrorist attacks compared to its European neighbours such as France and Germany, authorities take the threat very seriously.

"The importance of police cooperation is vindicated in light of the terrorist attacks that marked 2016," the Office's director, Nicoletta della Valle, noted in the report's foreword.

"Without the exchange of information between all countries, we would be powerless against this threat which is set to continue," she added.

As well as enhancing cooperation, the Federal Office of Police said it will continue to fight terror-financing and increase regulations related to substances that can be used to make bombs.