Jammed Tailgate Latch 97 Pathfinder

[97 Pathau]

I’ve got a 97 Pathfinder and can’t open the tailgate because something has either broken or become dislodged in the main latch mechanism. When I pull the handle to open the tailgate the first stage of the latch releases then catches on a second stop after allowing it to open about 2cm. Does anyone know where I can find drawings of the latch mechanism or have any ideas on how to fix the problem? I was thinking of cutting through the U shaped striker that the latch holds on to so I can get access to the latch mechanism.