European countries to increase train security after thwarted attack: French official

In this Aug.22, 2015 file photo, member of Belgian and French police stay next to a Thalys train at the Brussels Midi - Zuid train station. (AP/Francois Walschaerts, File)

PARIS -- France's interior minister says European countries will increase ID checks and baggage checks on trains after American passengers thwarted an attack on a high-speed train from Amsterdam to Paris.

Bernard Cazeneuve said the checks would be carried out "everywhere it is necessary" but did not give other details. He spoke after an emergency meeting Saturday in Paris with top security and transport officials from nine countries and the European Union in the wake of last week's attack attempt.

He also called for better co-ordination on intelligence and security across Europe's border-free travel zone.

The suspect in last week's attempted attack had been on the radar of European surveillance but bought his ticket in cash and showed no ID before bringing an automatic rifle and a handgun onboard the train unnoticed.