How do you get the damn rear bumper struts out?

I have the bumper cover and reinforcement off, I have to 2 nuts off that look like they hold the bumper struts in place but the struts still don't want to move at all!

It looks like the struts tie into the unibody rails, but I can't see any bolts under there.

any suggestions?

 

Under the carpet you will find two access panels. They are rectangular in shape and are held in with plastic rivets. Pry them up to gain access to the nuts.

-billy