They are preparing to come and capture the stronghold to which we have fled may be rendered “We have fled to this fort at Dathema for protection, but they are getting ready to capture it” (similarly Good News Bible).

And Timothy is leading their forces: Timothy may be the same commander as in verses 6-7 or a different one. This clause may be expressed as a short sentence by saying “Timothy is their commander.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.